22 Date Ideas in Victoria, B.C.

Posted on January 18, 2018

Valentines Day is coming up and a weekend getaway to Canada's Most Romantic City is the perfect way to celebrate. If you're in need of some inspiration, check out these unique date ideas in Victoria. Whether you're into a low-key, outdoorsy adventure or prefer a luxurious, romantic night out, you'll have no trouble finding something fun to do with your partner.

1. Pack a Picnic

If you're close to downtown, stop in at Bubby Rose's Bakery & Cafe and grab some sandwiches to go. If you're on the Saanich Peninsula, visit The Roost Farm Bakery for a huge selection of home-made lunch items and baked goods. Take your picnic along to one of Victoria's many parks or beaches where you'll enjoy one another's company alongside a delicious spread.

2. Explore Fisherman's Wharf

Fisherman's Wharf is a classic Victoria date spot. Take a closer look at the decorations of picturesque floating homes and meet the playful resident seals. Grab some lunch and explore the wharf as you enjoy one another's company.

3. See How Well You Work Together

See how compatible you and your date really are! Plan your very own Amazing Race (and hide fun clues for your partner to find around the city), or rent a doubles kayak from Ocean River Adventures and work as a team to navigate Victoria's gorgeous shoreline.

For another fun and playful date, head to Trapped escape rooms, where the two of you will be locked in a room together and race against the clock to find a way out. Tip: You can also get into an escape room with multiple couples, if you're visiting Victoria with friends.

4. Enjoy Natural Beauty

Get physical and climb Mount Douglas, for a breathtaking view of Victoria, the surrounding islands and distant mountains, or enjoy a trail walk along the beautiful coast of Sooke. If you'd like to hire a guide, opt for an immersive forest adventure with The Natural Connection, or book with HikeVictoria.com if you'd like to get some great, professional photos taken of you and your partner along the way.

Image: Hiking around Bear Mountain

5. Get Fresh (vegetables)

Head up the Saanich Peninsula to take in beautiful ocean views and see many of our island vineyards. Visit The Fickle Fig Farm Market, where you'll be able to shop for inexpensive, locally-grown organic produce as well as delicious baked goods. Everything is made on site, so you know it's a true farm-to-table experience!

While you're on the Peninsula, make a stop at the Gardens at HCP and explore their gorgeous winter garden.

7. Challenge Each Other

Bring your own board game to Caffe Fantastico and challenge one another over a cup of locally-roasted espresso, or spend the day at the Interactivity Board Game Cafe playing Monopoly, The Game of Life, Settlers of Catan, or one of their other hundreds of board games!

Pro tip: Opt for one of their home-made milkshakes. You won't be disappointed.

8. Get Away from It All

Hop in the car and take the scenic Malahat drive, where you'll be treated to breathtaking views of Gowlland Tod and the Olympic Mountain Range. Enjoy lunch at the Malahat Chalet.

Escape from the hustle and bustle of the city with a romantic overnight stay at the Villa Eyrie Resort. Perched at the Malahat Summit, you'll enjoy first-class dining and spa services with stunning views all the way across the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

Image: Villa Eyrie Resort

9. Keep it Classic with Chocolate

Nothing melts the heart like chocolate. Stroll through downtown Victoria and stop by historic Rogers' Chocolates for a Victoria Cream or head across Government Street to Chocolats Favoris for a chocolate-dipped ice cream cone.

10. Explore the Coast

Explore the shoreline, throw a frisbee and enjoy one another's company at one of Victoria's many sandy beaches. Make it an adventure and take the drive up to Sombrio Beach or Botanical Beach Provincial Park. You'll have lots of time to make conversation with your date on the way there and back, and the views once you're out there are totally worth the drive. If you have 2-3 days, consider completing the Pacific Marine Circle Route, which is a perfect romantic getaway for any adventurous and outdoorsy couple.

Image: @thebalancedcollective on Instagram

11. Cook up Some Love

Shop local at the Victoria Public Market where you'll find all the ingredients you need for a romantic, home-cooked meal. Or, opt for a couples' cooking class at The London Chef, where you'll learn to make Indian, Moroccan, French or Spanish dishes - just to name a few! You'll leave with memories and recipes to try at home.

12. Capture the Magic of Travel

Take a walking tour with your date and snap photos of each other all along the way. Voted Canada's Most Romantic City four years running, you'll be charmed by the character and beauty of the city.

Spice up your date with a romantic Flytographer photo shoot. You'll be paired up with a local photographer who will capture the magic of your date with candid, beautiful photos that you can enjoy for years to come.

Image: Flytographer

13. Indulge Your Senses

Lose yourself in the smells and tastes of Victoria's greatest tea collection. Visit Terroir Tea Salon on Fabulous Fort Street for an authentic tea tasting experience, or kick things up a notch with a couple's aromatherapy massage at Silk Road Tea.

14. Explore the Breakwater

Take a leisurely stroll along Dallas Road and out to the lighthouse at the end of the Breakwater. See float planes take off and land on the Inner Harbour and keep an eye out for people fishing along the lower level of the walkway.

15. See the City Light Up

Take your date on an evening stroll through Old Town. Victoria is especially beautiful when the sun goes down, the historic downtown buildings light up and create a romantic ambience. Make sure to stroll through Trounce Alley.

16. Take A Ride

Work up a sweat with your date! Victoria is super bike-able and lends itself to scenic cruises on two wheels. Rent e-bikes from Ride the Glide or traditional cruiser bikes from The Pedaler, or find out if your hotel offers free bike rentals! For a more intense cycling experience, book a road riding adventure with North 48 Bicycles.

Image: Cycling in Victoria

17. Stroll Through Beacon Hill Park

Grab a cone of infamous soft-serve from the Beacon Drive-In and wander through beautiful Beacon Hill Park where you'll find beautiful gardens, fountains, and roaming peacocks. Tip: Don't forget to bring some treats for the ducks!

18. Toast to Romance

Visit the tasting room at Phillips Brewing & Malting Co. where you can take a brewery tour and try some samples of their many craft brews. Speak with their friendly staff and learn all about the brewing process.

If cocktails are more your scene, celebrate your love with a cocktail or glass of bubbly at one of Victoria's many unique lounges and wine bars. For unique and handcrafted libations, try Vista 18 Westcoast Grill & Wine Bar or Clive's Classic Lounge in the Chateau Victoria. For an intimate date with a unique atmosphere, head to Nourish Kitchen in James Bay. They've recently opened an upstairs lounge and botanical bar which are open from 5 pm, Tuesday through Saturday.

Image: Nourish Kitchen

19. Take a #heartVICTORIA selfie

Get the perfect date shot outside the BC Parliament Buildings or with one of Victoria's historic statues and landmarks lining the Inner Harbour. If you're sharing your photos on social media, include the hashtag #heartVICTORIA - we'll be sharing our favourite photos during the month of February!

20. Stroll Along the Sidney Pier

For a quiet escape, take a leisurely stroll along the Sidney Pier. You'll enjoy some alone time with a spectacular backdrop. Connect with your date over your shared love of books in downtown Sidney, which is also known as Booktown because of, well, it's bookstores.